‘My ears popped’ - Lamine Yamal opens up on Barcelona debut as young starlet reveals deafening reception at Camp Nou

Yamal made an immediate impression at Camp Nou for Xavi, entrusted with a lively cameo as a 15-year-old towards the end of Barcelona's league-winning campaign. He has since become a regular for the Blaugrana, making 24 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season.

In an interview carried by the club's media, Yamal revealed that his Barca debut was a nerve-wracking experience: "I went out to warm up when I entered the field my ears popped, I couldn't hear anything, it was like a minute, but in my legs it seemed like an hour."

The 16-year-old also heaped praise on Xavi: "I will always thank him because not just anyone makes your debut at 15 years old and this season he has given me minutes in all the games I have been able to play."

Yamal has starred for Barca over the last month, most recently scoring twice against Granada to salvage a point following a forgettable Blaugrana performance. With Raphinha recovering from injury and Joao Felix out, he seems to have made the right-wing spot his own.

The winger looks set to continue to be a big part of Xavi's squad for the months to come. He will likely be in the XI when the Blaugrana face Celta Vigo on Saturday, before playing a part in his side's Champions League last 16 clash with Napoli on February 21.